Sunday, August 02, 2015, 5:33 p.m.

Baxter County official wants to change jail uniform

MOUNTAIN HOME — An official in north Arkansas wants to change what inmates wear while jailed in Baxter County.

The Baxter Bulletin reported that Baxter County Quorum Court member Gary Tennison has written a proposed ordinance about uniforms for inmates. His proposal will go before the Quorum Court next month.

Tennison said what inmates currently wear is dehumanizing. His proposed ordinance calls for inmates to wear green scrubs instead their current black-and-white striped uniforms. Inmates would also wear deck shoes instead of flip-flops.

But, the county's sheriff said, the uniforms are a public safety issue.

Sheriff John Montgomery said if inmates escape, the jail doesn't want them dressed in outfits that would resemble civilian clothing. Montgomery also said the jail doesn't want them in shoes that would allow them to run away faster.